Thermal springs rising at more than 74 °C give Caldes de Montbui a defining theme: the water connects a natural feature of the town with its history, baths and cuisine. There are also museums, guided tours and trails for walking or mountain biking. This gives you different options for planning your trip: art and local history, thermal traditions, or a route with a clear time and distance.
Discover Thermal History and Art
The Museu Thermalia permanently displays the Mas Manolo collection. It includes the most significant public presentation of the sculptor and painter Manolo Hugué, as well as a remarkable series of ceramics, lithographs and drawings by his friend Pablo Picasso. The collection thus brings together two named artistic reference points. Can Delger has a different collection focus: objects and furniture from a stately home belonging to the rural bourgeoisie.
The history of the spa town can also be placed in context. When thermal activity resumed in the 19th century, Caldes de Montbui became Spain’s second most important spa town. This historical standing describes an earlier development and complements the story of the thermal springs, which emerge at temperatures of more than 74 °C.
Thermal Water and Historic Sites
Banys Termals El Safareig was created in March 2015 by converting an existing thermal washhouse into Caldes de Montbui’s first public baths. The complex includes a balcony overlooking the vegetable gardens and natural surroundings along the Riera promenade. El Safareig is also part of a tour of three sites that showcases two different forms of public use of thermal water.
Safareig de la Portalera is a separate named site on Carrer de la Muralla. It is listed in the Old Town’s architectural heritage catalogue and offers views of the Riera’s vegetable gardens. If you are interested in sightseeing, you can also consider guided tours of the local attractions: Museu Thermalia and the tourist information office organize these tours.
Compare Hiking and Mountain Biking Routes
Of the eight different hiking routes, durations range from easy options such as the Route del Remei or the path to the Iberian settlement of Torre Roja, both taking no more than an hour, to the more demanding five-hour Route dels Ermitans. These details help you distinguish a short walk from a longer outing without treating every trail alike. Check the conditions of the route before setting out.
For mountain biking, the Can Rius meeting point has ten routes: distances range from 28 kilometres around Caldes de Montbui to 64 kilometres on the Caldes–Castellterçol–Sant Julià d'Uxols route. There are also eight family-friendly routes in the surrounding area. The distance details and separate family category provide different points of reference when choosing a route; conditions on individual routes may change.
Festivals and Thermal Cuisine
Mercat de l'Olla is an iconic fair in Caldes de Montbui; its 13th edition took place in 2025. At the 2025 edition, the traditional thermal broth was prepared in a cauldron with a capacity of 1,600 litres. Cooked slowly over a wood fire, it yielded more than 6,000 portions, which were served over the weekend. The fair showcases thermal cuisine and promotes high-quality local products.
Another recurring event is Festa del Foc i l'Aigua: it is held on the second Saturday in July, and EscaldĂ rium takes place as part of it. If the date of a festival is a deciding factor in planning your trip, check the dates for the relevant year.
Plan Your Journey
Regular, express and night intercity buses run from the Caldes de Montbui bus station. As timetables and routes may change, it is worth checking the connection for your specific travel date. This lets you match your journey to the focus of your stay—whether you mainly want to explore museums and thermal history or set aside time for one of the hiking or cycling routes of varying lengths.
Discover More Destinations
Gelida, Arenys De Munt, Sant Joan DespĂ, Talamanca, NavĂ s, Olost, CervellĂł, Cardona
For the main travel overview: Barcelona.
